Rory Best is facing a race against time to be fit for France while Sean O’Brien needs to train today to be in Joe Schmidt’s plans.

Hooker Best is not due to return to full training until Thursday as he takes a series of gradual concussion tests after suffering a head knock in Italy.

Richardt Strauss and Sean Cronin will come into the selection picture but Ireland team manager Mick Kearney said: “Rory is certainly not ruled out at this stage.”

O’Brien had an MRI scan on Sunday after a hamstring scare in the warm-up at the Stadio Olimpico caused his late withdrawal. Tommy O’Donnell did well in his place but, with Jamie Heaslip set to return to No8, Jordi Murphy could compete for the flanker jersey too.